Rating: 
Summary: Majestic Beyond Words
Review: I find it very interesting that based on all the reviews I've read on this site, the sole body of criticism surrounding the Silmarilion comes down to the indictment "This is too confusing!". No, in fact, it is not too confusing- it is simply possessed of a depth that most fantasy fans will find challenging. I can't blame them- if the sum total of my reading experiences were Robert Jordan and Terry Brooks with a helping of Dragonlance novels, I would find Tolkien's work obtuse as well. As it happens, I didn't, so I don't. Tolkien set out to create a piece of cosmological distinction, deeper and more complex than any works of fantasy before or after his time. In setting out on this task he didn't pull any punches; the man wrote for his own pleasure, and in doing so created a world satisfactory to his own level of linguistic genius. To the less enlightened, educated and intelligent observer, which I am, it is most daunting indeed. To those who possess even less acumen than myself, this book must read like a Pinter play translated into Swahili. Whil Tolkien may challenge the reader, it is by NO MEANS that reader's right to criticize the work simply because he or she cannot rise to the level of requisite inteligence Tolkien's prose demands. If you hated this book, I have only this to say: Either you didn't Get It, or you're not sharp enough to get it in the first place. If the latter is true, don't feel bad- it probably isn't your fault(unless you sniffed too much rubber cement in Grade School). To the former, you sell short your own opportunities by blaming the work for your own sloppy reading. Tolkien is transcendent, but then again so is Buddhism. Some people will see the world, or in this case the book, for the beauty it contains and internalize this revelation. Some will shut their eyes and continue to live in the world of dust, or to carry on the book metaphor, just pick up the next Jordan book. I have no time for either one, and neither did Tolkien. His books will retain their majesty long after this site and its parent company have gone the way of the dodo, and long after I have been laid in the ground. The books speak for themselves, as Tolkien no doubt intended. Ai na vedui dunedain.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This book is truely amazing. This gives much more insight on the LotR trilogy...A MUST have for any true Tolkien fans. I also recommend this book for better understanding on the upcoming LotR movies from New Line Cinema.
Rating:
Summary: The Gods Weep
Review: One of the most emotional stories I have read in a long time, Tolkien's "The Silmarilion" is the story of the endless conflict between the Noldor and Melkor, the First Dark Lord. The stories contained within are varied and for all tastes, ranging from "impossible" love stories to tragedy, making of this a very complete reading experience. Unfortunately, this book definitely is not for everyone, it is, as a matter of fact, a difficult read, heavy with many characters and places, something that many readers do not like at all. That, added to the fact that the atmosphere is nowhere near of joy and happiness (unlike many times during "The Hobbit and "LOTR"), sum it up for a special book. And intense and poetic reading worth any time you spend with it.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than the core books, but has some serious problems
Review: This book is by far more emotional than all of LOTR, with lots of excellent vignetes of Eleven lore by Tolkien. However, the greatest problem is that all these stories are no explained, and the names rather hard to keep track of. However, the poetry is excellent, and, although hard to read, still an excellent book
Rating: 
Summary: Did we read the same book?
Review: As I browsed a few of the other reviews on this page, I couldn't help but think WHY DID YOU LIKE THIS BOOK? Even if you loved The Lord of the Rings, as I did, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll like this book. I found it much too dense and confusing for my taste, and had to draw up charts and diagrams to understand any of it. To sum it up, this book was NOT worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: He who never read this will never know...
Review: Well, I read the hobbit. I was surprised cause I was never interested in fantasy (or, in my age of sixteen, in any literature :))) and this story cutted me absolutely off the whole life around. Then, I read the Lord of the rings and I found out that no movie nor anything else can give you so amazing feelings, so great memories just because of it's own existence. I still remember how I felt about it and how unforgettable that story it was. And millions of other readers support my opinion - nothing, I repeat - nothing in the world ever have been so beautyful vicarious experience for me. I loved it. Absolutely. And i will remember this till the end of my life (and maybe even later :)). After this, I tried The Silmarillion. Well... I was surprised, because this book seemed to me like a history book even more than a fantasy roman. But after a few pages full of names and places, I began to change my opinion and was totally amazed for the third time, but finally the most. I admit the Silmarillion is not for everyone. When you did not read the LOTR, you have no point to read this because you will basically not understand an expression there - but if you did and you loved it as the most of all the readers (let's say all), then you must try it. It may be really complex and confusing, but you must get over it. And it you will, I guarantee you that you will adore this. Yes, the LOTR was emotional, but what comes here you cannot even compare with it. I was moved by everything described there. The sad faith of elves, Valinor and everything else. I still feel my tears coming down on my face and deep breath I took every evening after closing the book. If you haven't read it you cannot say how it feels to hear about the endless love, value of friendship and majesty of the real kings described with Tolkiens's abilities. You will never feel the dust coming when Fingolfin runs to fight Morgoth in all his glory, even there is no chance for him to come from this battle alive. You will never know about the most heartbreaking and beautyful stories ever written. Is that woth it ??? As a teenager I have a really opposite opinion on books and everything which is not connected with computers or TV, but as I said, this experience is locked forever in my mind and it's beauty and gleam will never vanish. What was created here is not a book, not a piece of paper with words. this is something much more you cannot evaluate. If you read The Lord Of the Rings, it is a must. if you did not, This is not a place to start with Tolkien's work, but it is surely his biggest masterpiece, if not the greatest thing in literature ever created.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful book, but with its own flaws
Review: I really liked Lord of the Rings, it has been my favorite fantasy series. Unfortunately they ended way too soon for my tastes, as I did want to read more about this wonderful land that Tolkien created in LOTR. With the Silmarillion I got my chance to once again explore this world. And while I was a bit disappointed, because it didn't live up to all of my high expectations, I was also thrilled by this narration of the past of Middle Earth and the surrounding lands. A problem with the book is its rather uninteresting beginning. It starts out nicely, although its basically like Paradise Lost. Then it bogs down in the names of various gods and godesses which I had a hard time keeping track of (by this time its mixing Greek and Norse myths with the Christian theme). After this it rather picks up its pace and grows more interesting. The tales of the elves are strong and emotional, and are a mythology all their own. Unfortunately the book's second and major problem soon becomes apparent. The tales are not covered in depth enough. Instead of all these short and involving tales, I wish he had written several novels covering them in depth. For example, the tale of Beren and the Silmaril could easily have covered as much ground as LOTR, but it only receives 60 pages or so. I understand the problems, given that Tolkien was dead, but I think it could at least have been expanded to include more information on these stories. Other than that, this book is really good. Anyone who enjoys mythology will love this book as it provides beautiful yet melancholy pictures of a world decaying from grace. The only problem: I wish it were longer!
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Summary: Another beautiful coffee table book!
Review: This review is for the hardcover edition, illustrated by Ted Nasmith. I'm going to pretend that everyone reading this already knows what the Silmarillion is about and is familiar with the tales within. Yes, it's a five-star book; I have a dog-eared paperback version that has quite a few combat scars to prove it. I wanted a hardcover book with pretty pictures, a snazzy looking tome to put on an end table. This is it. There are 18 full-page, full color illustrations in this book, plus the front and back of the dustjacket. Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who wanted lots of pictures of Elves doing Elvish things. What the book offers is half pictures of Elves, half pictures of Elven places. Personally, I would have preferred more pictures of the characters in the book, not just the forest glens and oceans and gardens that were instead included. Granted, Nasmith has great talent, and while some of these illustrations are truly gorgeous, I would have liked to see some more warrior-like beings I've seen in his Tolkien calendars. Nasmith did, in fact, also do this year's (2000) calendar. It's a handsome book. Underneath the beautiful glossy dustjacket of Maglor casting a Silmaril into the sea, the book is clothbound in black and embossed in silver. The illustrations are: Maglor Casts a Silmaril Into the Sea, Beren and Luthien are Carried to Safety, The Sea, The Lamp of the Valar, At Lake Cuivienen, The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea, Fingolfin Leads the Host Across the Helcaraxe, The First Dawn of the Sun, Maedhros's Rescue from Thangorodrim, Eol Welcomes Aredhel, Felagund Among Beor's Men, By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest, Luthien Escapes upon Huan, Morgoth Punishes Hurin, Turin and his Band are Led to Amon Rudh, Finduilas is Led Past Turin at the Sack of Nargothrond, Ulmo Appears before Tuor, Earendil the Mariner, The Eagles of Manwe, The Ships of the Faithful. This book is beautiful, I highly recommend it. It would make a great gift too, even for a non-fan.
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Summary: Christopher Tolkien¿s Honesty
Review: Firstly, I don't believe that anyone who has read "The Lord Of The Rings" as one book, or as a multi volume experience, will suggest the read was anything short of incredible. The world and the fantasy created by J.R.R. Tolkien were unprecedented, without peer, and elements are adapted into many contemporary fantasy epics. Happily, pieces are integrated more as a tribute rather than plagiarism. Another well-known saga created by George Lucas contains bits that clearly are made as an acknowledgement of Mr. Tolkien, who created the most original world of fantasy. I was surprised when reading some thoughts of other readers, this is a much different read than what Tolkien fans are accustomed too, but it is not a measure of a reader's intellect, or whether they appreciate the intricate nature of the book. The book is brilliant, very different, and since Christopher Tolkien spends several pages explaining why this was a nearly impossible book to piece together, you are in the best of company if you find the read difficult. The book is not an I.Q. test, nor does it require some sort of Tolkien connoisseur for the book to be appreciated, statements like these are simply presumptuous, arrogant examples of nonsense. This is a great book and I would hate to see anyone pass it up. Christopher Tolkien states, "As the years passed the changes and variants both in detail and in larger perspectives, became so complex, and so many layered that a final and definitive version seemed unattainable." He also states that absolute consistency with the other books is impossible, the book is at times vague, lacks cohesion, etc. This was an evolving work of half a century that never was brought before the public until after the writer's death. It was a work in progress for 50 years of the writer's life, and he never stopped changing it. And the entire pretense about the book's complexity or the need for an exclusive audience is nonsense. If you like reading Tolkien, this is different, but you will enjoy it. Christopher Tolkien provides a great deal of background material, and multiple indices so the reader can follow the players. In a way, the fact it takes more time to read is a blessing, as there are no new books that are going to be written. Mr. Tolkien was a great friend of Mr. C.S. Lewis, the Author of dozens of books, from theological "Mere Christianity", to children's books "The Chronicles Of Narnia", and his own Science Fiction Trilogy "Out Of The Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength." This book like Lewis's "Space Trilogy" can be very complex. In their respective works both men were writing about theological and philosophical preoccupations, as well as fantasy, mythology, and legends. Parts of "Silmarillion" actually began as poetry. The "Third Age" of Tolkien's world with Gandalf and the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, are familiar friends to readers everywhere. This book is a great addition to "The Lord Of The Rings" but it takes place in the "First Age", so you deal with some of the references made in the former as events that are "contemporary" and not historical. Think Phantom Menace versus A New Hope. There is still a great deal of unpublished work about the first through the third ages, and perhaps someday all will be available to be read sequentially. Unless and until the complete story is shared, enjoy this book. There are 3 movies being made of "The Lord Of The Rings". While I hope they do justice to the writings, I would hope a person's first exposure to this man's work is through his books.
Rating:
Summary: beren
Review: this is the best book ever written.
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